North Dakota Preps

The pep bands in North Dakota are some of the most unique bands out there. Especially the smaller class B schools with their drive to perform for their team. And what was up with just one pep band playing at the Girls State B Tournament. I know the Alerus Center is a big place and it would've have sounded weird but the NDHSAA should have had it in Bismarck or Minot. Anyone who thinks their pep band is the best....post here!

Maddock's pep band is very good.

St. Mary's

Velva's was great last year when we played there - had a drummer that was awesome.

I wouldn't call it "my" pep band...but Turtle Mountain High School pep band is the best I have ever heard. Granted I have not heard all the bands throughout the state and they are not a class B school, but non the less they are hands down the best I have heard.

If we are asking the best ever, but not in the state of ND...I would have to say Ada-Borup's (MN) pep band is AWESOME!!

I'm not sure I know of any good pep bands in ND...but then I have only heard a few of them.

I really don't mean to offend, only to pay respect. I really don't think we should bring MN into this. I have a buddy who used to play percussion for a medium sized school in MN. His school did well in competition but was far from the best in the state and wow I was blown away. Lets just say that other states take their performing arts a little more serious than we do. No offense to the last comment but lets just keep it to ND cause I will be honest there is no comparing.

I have seen some schools do a good job and I remember back in the day playing in the pep band when I wasn't playing in the sport we were playing for. More specifically I remember playing for girls bball districts and regionals and a few home games. I don't think this even happens anymore in my home town and I'm from a relatively large ND town. It is kinda sad. but that is the effect of decreasing enrollment.

Milkman wrote:I really don't mean to offend, only to pay respect. I really don't think we should bring MN into this. I have a buddy who used to play percussion for a medium sized school in MN. His school did well in competition but was far from the best in the state and wow I was blown away. Lets just say that other states take their performing arts a little more serious than we do. No offense to the last comment but lets just keep it to ND cause I will be honest there is no comparing.

I have seen some schools do a good job and I remember back in the day playing in the pep band when I wasn't playing in the sport we were playing for. More specifically I remember playing for girls bball districts and regionals and a few home games. I don't think this even happens anymore in my home town and I'm from a relatively large ND town. It is kinda sad. but that is the effect of decreasing enrollment.

well I couldn't think of any ND schools that had a pep band that was any good...all of the bands in the area that I have heard play are not very good (in my opinion). I was just thinking that the best I have heard so far in the Tri-State area was Ada-Borup's. Too many of the pep bands that I have heard in the State of ND are too small and hard to hear in their own gyms. I will say that if a pep band is needed to play at districts or regionals of our area I would call upon Northern Cass' or Kindred's (but only because of the drummer) pep bands. They are the only ones that are of average sound and quality (but maybe that's because they have more than 12 band members)!! Just my opinion...

The best band is Belcourts!!! The songs are great. The loudest in the west has to be St Mary's. Mandan's chant before their lineup is Great too.

WalkingStick wrote:

Milkman wrote:I really don't mean to offend, only to pay respect. I really don't think we should bring MN into this. I have a buddy who used to play percussion for a medium sized school in MN. His school did well in competition but was far from the best in the state and wow I was blown away. Lets just say that other states take their performing arts a little more serious than we do. No offense to the last comment but lets just keep it to ND cause I will be honest there is no comparing.

I have seen some schools do a good job and I remember back in the day playing in the pep band when I wasn't playing in the sport we were playing for. More specifically I remember playing for girls bball districts and regionals and a few home games. I don't think this even happens anymore in my home town and I'm from a relatively large ND town. It is kinda sad. but that is the effect of decreasing enrollment.

well I couldn't think of any ND schools that had a pep band that was any good...all of the bands in the area that I have heard play are not very good (in my opinion). I was just thinking that the best I have heard so far in the Tri-State area was Ada-Borup's. Too many of the pep bands that I have heard in the State of ND are too small and hard to hear in their own gyms. I will say that if a pep band is needed to play at districts or regionals of our area I would call upon Northern Cass' or Kindred's (but only because of the drummer) pep bands. They are the only ones that are of average sound and quality (but maybe that's because they have more than 12 band members)!! Just my opinion...

Ok walkingstick i know you have heard central cass's too and they are definitely better than northern cass's

I think Standing Rock's band is up there, getting to play at state even though their team didn't even make it as far as the regional championship. Thats something. and being asked to play for the district 9 championship game and region 5 championship game for boys and girls, now thats something. not saying their talented like some other schools. but they bring music to a otherwise dead gym..

The best has to be St. Mary's. They have massive amounts of talent. Every year they send many kids to high school all-state band, choir, jazz, and orchestra.

STILL STANDING ROCK'S BAND IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turtle Mountain-Belcourt all the way... little biased as a former drummer and athlete there, but I remember every time we played someone, at least one person from the opposing school would come over and compliment us, everytime... I've heard a few decent ones, but IMO Belcourt has the best band, and band director in Mr. Derrick Dixon...

PHS

STILL THINK STANDING ROCK'S BAND IS AWESOME.....EVEN THOUGH THEY ONLY PLAYED IN THE REGION 5 AREA.......KIM COURNOYER IS A AWESOME DIRECTOR....GOTTA GIVE HER PROPS..FOR BEING THAT DEDICATED.!!!!!

toddjames wrote:Turtle Mountain-Belcourt all the way... little biased as a former drummer and athlete there, but I remember every time we played someone, at least one person from the opposing school would come over and compliment us, everytime... I've heard a few decent ones, but IMO Belcourt has the best band, and band director in Mr. Derrick Dixon...

Of all the bands I have listened to in the last 5 years or so, Belcourt's is by far the best. They played last year at the District 11 tournament and they were highly entertaining as well as very impressive accomplished young musicians. I was very impressed to say the least.

This is a no brainer....the best pep band is by far maddock's. The kids can flat out play, and sing.

No doubt when mandan basketball play at home i get the chills everytime the band play when the starting line up is announced.!!!!!

One of the best pep bands in the state is obviously Devils Lake.... They flat out get everyone pumped... and They have a legend with the instruction of Jo Wade

Mandans band is amazing but when i was at a St. Mary's basketball game it was so intense

i would have to say Central Cass's pep band is probably one of the better ones in the region 1 area

standing rock's pep band ..i would say is the best in the region 5 area... some dedicated students... even playing in 32 degree weather for homecoming... pretty cold... just shows their dedication!

GoPack#2 wrote:i would have to say Central Cass's pep band is probably one of the better ones in the region 1 area

agreed their quad tom player is hilarious to watch

WarriorsFan10 wrote:standing rock's pep band ..i would say is the best in the region 5 area... some dedicated students... even playing in 32 degree weather for homecoming... pretty cold... just shows their dedication!

Dedicated.........or stupid?